The Italian brake icon Brembo presented its new Greentell braking system at Auto Shanghai 2025 - a system that not only stands for high braking performance, but also specifically reduces the environmental impact. The combination of innovative coating and intelligent material selection is intended to massively reduce brake dust emissions while still offering the usual performance. One of the reasons for this is the forthcoming Euro 7 standard, which should also regulate particulate emissions from brakes for the first time.
The clues have been gathering for months - now it's official: Kawasaki is launching a new Z1100. Fresh certification documents from the Netherlands confirm what was previously only speculation. The large naked bike is not only a reinterpretation of the familiar Z design, but also uses tried and tested components. This positions the Z1100 as a powerful four-cylinder road warrior below the Z H2 - with a clear focus on riding fun instead of electronic overkill.
The Tourist Trophy 2025 kicked off its first qualifying session in perfect conditions. The focus was particularly on Honda rider Dean Harrison, who dominated the Superbike category with a record lap of 133.069 mph (214.219 km/h) - the fastest lap ever set on an opening evening of TT qualifying.
After weather-related delays, free practice for the Isle of Man TT 2025 finally got underway on Tuesday evening. In drying conditions and sunny spells, the field completed their first, still untimed practice laps on the 60.72 km (37¾ mile) Mountain Course. Despite the remaining damp sections of the track - including Braddan, Laurel Bank, Glen Helen, the 11th Milestone, Glentramman and Keppel Gate - the planned program could be implemented almost in full.
NEW MOTORCYCLES
General Motors - a name previously associated primarily with V8 engines and muscle cars such as the Camaro or the Corvette - could soon be involved in a completely new segment: the market for electrically powered motorcycles. Patents that have now been published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggest that the US car manufacturer is working on an electric motorcycle.
With the new Diavel V4 RS for the 2026 model year, Ducati appears to be following the same path as the Multistrada V4 RS - a sportier, more powerful variant that is intended to take the already potent base model to a new level. The information comes from the USA, where the machine became public via an entry in the VIN decoder of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This provides the first tangible indications of the technical orientation and performance potential of the new powerhouse.
BMW is preparing for the next technological leap in the superbike segment. On Friday, May 23, 2025 at 7 p.m., BMW Motorrad will unveil a new concept bike at the traditional Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como. The first teaser images already suggest a new generation of the BMW S 1000 RR or M 1000 RR - with a clear focus on uncompromising performance and state-of-the-art technology.
MOTORSPORT
The Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has stood for uncompromising motorsport for years - especially in MotoGP. KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister has now commented on the company's long-term motorsport strategy in a detailed interview with the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper. Despite economic caution and changing framework conditions, such as those that could accompany Liberty Media's entry into MotoGP, the course remains clear: KTM wants to remain true to racing.
The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is known for its thrilling history, its dangerous bends and its legendary riders. One of them has now finally set himself a monument: Michael Dunlop, the most successful rider in the history of the TT, now has his own corner on the notorious Mountain Course.
The Isle of Man TT 2025 has officially started - but the opening round on Monday, May 26, was much quieter than planned. Due to adverse weather conditions, only the planned introductory laps for the newcomers could take place. The actual qualifying session had to be canceled at short notice.
MotoGP delivered a memorable race weekend at the 2025 British Grand Prix. At the center: Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia's first win of the season, Fabio Quartararo with a technical drama shortly before the finish - and an aftermath with far-reaching penalties. The events at the Silverstone Circuit were charged both in sporting and emotional terms and reflected the complexity of a MotoGP season that is increasingly coming to a head in its second half.
The Supertwin category of the Isle of Man TT is set for an exciting season. Although Michael Dunlop has dominated the class in the recent past with five wins from the last seven races, the category is increasingly developing into an open battle - particularly between Dunlop, Peter Hickman and the up-and-coming Davey Todd.
What began as a promising partnership threatens to become one of the biggest misunderstandings in recent MotoGP history. Jorge Martín, MotoGP World Champion in 2024, is apparently on the verge of terminating his contract with Aprilia early - despite it running until the end of 2026. This is due to disappointing sporting prospects, ongoing injury problems and a profound loss of trust between rider and team.
TECHNOLOGY
BMW is currently working on an innovative system that uses high-pressure air jets to actively influence the aerodynamics of motorcycles. The focus is on a type of “jet assistance” that is intended to increase grip and improve handling in cornering situations. Initial patent applications provide an insight into the complex system, which could represent a new evolutionary stage in active aerodynamics.
While Honda is preparing for series production with the V3R E-Compressor and electrically powered supercharger, Yamaha is taking a completely different direction - with an electrically assisted turbocharger, or E-Turbo for short. New patent applications now provide insights into Yamaha's approach to combining increased performance, efficiency and reduced emissions in motorcycles.
Electromobility is currently experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. While the initial euphoria has waned and political setbacks under the renewed presidency of Donald Trump are causing uncertainty in America, development is not standing still. A technological breakthrough by General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution could give new impetus to electromobility - especially for motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
Suzuki is reportedly pushing forward with the development of a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system for its small-capacity motorcycles. Recently surfaced patent documents reveal that the Japanese manufacturer is working on a VVT system tailored for its 249cc single-cylinder engine – the one currently powering the V-Strom 250 and GSX-250R.